An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/First

by Friedrich Kluge

First, m., f., from the equiv. MidHG. virst, OHG. first, m., ‘ridge of a roof, summit’; comp. LG. and Du. (with gradation), vorst, ‘ridge of a roof,’ AS. first, fyrst, f.; Goth. *faírsti- or fairshti- is wanting. Allied to Sans. pṛšṭhá-m, n., ‘back, summit, mountain-peak,’ which is nearest in sound to Du. vorst. From Teut., OFr. freste, Prov. frest, ‘gable,’ are derived.